8mm bolt-action: stay away from...

[RangeRover]

I'd like to concentrate (at least for now) my milsurp activities on one calibre: 8mm Mauser. So to go with a (pending) FN49 semi-auto, I'm thinking of getting a shooter bolt-action (full wood vs. sporterized).

I know very little of all of the options available, other than there are a wide number of choices (Czech, German, Spanish, Persian, etc.). To perhaps avoid putting the cat among the pigeons by asking "what's the best 8mm mauser bolt-action?", and because I'm not looking for a specific model, I will instead ask if there are any particular models to avoid (build quality, accuracy, etc.)

Thanks.

 

[Skippy]

For a shooter bolt-action to go with your FN49, buy a RC K98k from P&S Militaria.

You can close the thread now

 

[MauserMike]

You're best off with large ring 98 Mausers. They can handle more pressure and have the bolt with three locking lugs. Most of the 8mm milsurps are 98 action.

If you've got money, there are some beautiful 98 Mausers out there. Russian Capture (RC) is definitely the best bang for the buck if you are looking for a shooter. In general, earlier guns are better but RC's are a grab bag of parts. My shooter RC is an ERMA 1941 with a laminate stock, and I picked one out with all of the proper type of small parts - machined trigger plate, barrel bands, flat buttplate, etc. Of course the numbers don't match.

Mine came from P&S Militaria. Jean is a trustworthy guy to deal with and a participant here.

Outside of RC: Persians are gorgeous, as are the pre-WWII Czech's like the VZ-24. Many of the German guns quite nice too - both 1st and 2nd World War.

 

[desporterizer]

If you can find a decent turk, they are nice shooters too. A friend of mine picked up a refurb turk in mint shape (most aren't) with a mint bore(surprise number two) for a whopping $125 at epps last year.

 

[RangeRover]

Thanks for all the advice.

I've taken the plunge (from a distance) on an RC K98. It's enroute and I'll post pics and the story behind why this particular year/manufacturer once it arrives and I've had a chance to look it over.

 

[steve1973]

Great decision, you won't be disappointed. I lub all of mine!

 

[Sigismund]

You cant have just one mauser... they somehow manage to take over your entire collection

 

[ilovepotatos]

You're telling me! I'm a starving student and I currently need to halve my pair of mausers. I gotta get rid of my Austrian Mauser.

 

[John Sukey]

What surprises me about the Turkish mousers is the high quality of the wood.